Building DITA Libraries for Efficient Reuse and Translation
Building a DITA library system in a CCMS database to reuse information fragments is a large, but trivial task. However, to structure the library for maximum efficiency related to searching, metadata, practical reuse and translations is a task not to be taken lightly. Kongsberg Maritime’s DITA CCMS has been in operation for nearly three years. The company has spent a lot of resources defining common rules and best practises for using DITA and building libraries and topics. The presentation sums up the strategies and the experiences, and discusses the practical aspects – including the important pros and cons.
What can attendees expect to learn?
I have spent three years to find out “how to do it”. I have learned a lot, gained a lot of experience, and made many mistakes. I am also editor of our 600 page DITA user guide that is still expanding. I think that a DITA audience may benefit from my presentation because I wish to share practical experience and knowledge, and discuss pros and cons.
Meet the Presenter
Following a career as an officer in the Royal Norwegian Navy, I joined Simrad (now in Kongsberg Maritime) in 1986 as a service engineer for their naval products. Due to my writing experience and English skills I was in 1989 asked to manage the company’s documentation department. In this position I was responsible for end user documentation for all our products; single- and multibeam echo sounders, sonars, acoustic positioning, and scientific hydroacoustic systems. My tasks included tool management, methods and processes, as well as developing content, structure and layout for our end user and technical manuals. Following a reorganization in 2004, I became attached to the Fishery & Naval department in Kongsberg Maritime. I am currently in charge of end user documentation, context sensitive online help, and marketing documents. I am also responsible for the website https://www.simrad.com.